Bevery Pedue, Elizabeth Dole, June Atkinson
WINSTON-SALEM -- State Schools Superintendent June Atkinson said the success of women candidates in last week's primary shows North Carolinians are progressive compared to the rest of the country.
Seven of the 11 women on the ballot for statewide offices were successful against men. An eighth woman, Mary Fant Donnan, was the top vote getter among Democrats for commissioner of labor and may face a runoff.
Atkinson told the Winston-Salem Journal for a story Monday that women have been working to be prepared for public office.
The U.S. Senate race in November features two women, incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole against Democrat Kay Hagan.
The Democratic candidate for state treasurer, Jane Cowell, said some women vote for women, especially if they don't know much about the candidates.
But Atkinson admitted some people won't vote for a woman. Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue is making a strong bid to become North Carolina’s first female governor.
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